The Carney government is preparing to release a list of major projects that it plans to fast-track for completion. Recent internal government polling, conducted earlier this summer under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), shows that Canadians strongly support projects related to hydroelectric power, highway upgrades, and port infrastructure improvements.

These polls also reveal that a majority of Canadians support projects like new oil pipelines, liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, and offshore wind turbines. However, there are some regional differences in opinions, especially regarding oil and gas projects and nuclear energy. Copies of these internal polls were obtained by Global News through access-to-information requests.

Public Opinion Shapes National Projects

Since winning last spring’s election, Prime Minister Mark Carney has been consulting with provincial premiers, Indigenous leaders, and business executives about what kind of projects should be classified as “projects of national significance.” These projects would qualify for expedited review and approval under new government rules.

Until now, the internal polls are the first concrete evidence that the Carney government is paying close attention to public opinion when deciding which projects to prioritize. Carney and his cabinet are currently meeting in Toronto to discuss these issues and plan the path forward for major infrastructure and energy projects.

Poll Details: What Canadians Support

The Privy Council Office (PCO) conducted two national polls during the last two weeks of June. The surveys asked Canadians to rate their support for 11 types of projects, ranging from carbon capture initiatives to highways, pipelines, ports, and nuclear energy. Respondents could choose whether they “strongly support,” “somewhat support,” “somewhat oppose,” or “strongly oppose” each project.

The results showed that a majority of Canadians across the country support all 11 types of projects. While support was generally high, there were significant regional variations.

Oil Pipelines Receive Strong Support

Support for new or expanded oil pipelines was particularly high in Alberta, with 81% of residents in favor. Even in Quebec, a province traditionally thought to be against fossil fuel projects, nearly 60% of respondents supported new pipelines.

When asked specifically about approving an oil and gas pipeline from Alberta and Saskatchewan to eastern Canada, the survey found majority support in every region:

• Alberta: 89%

• Saskatchewan: 90%

• Ontario: 82%

• Atlantic Canada: 80%

• Quebec: 58%

This indicates that Canadians across the country see the economic value of pipelines, even if some regions have historically opposed such projects.

Regional Differences in Energy Preferences

Quebecers were notably less enthusiastic about nuclear energy, with only 32% supporting the development of new nuclear facilities. In contrast, support for new nuclear projects in Ontario and Alberta was around 70%.

Other energy projects, like offshore wind turbines and liquefied natural gas terminals, received majority support nationally but had variations depending on regional priorities and concerns.

Infrastructure Projects Gain Popularity

Infrastructure improvements, such as highway upgrades and port expansions, also received strong approval. Canadians see these projects as essential to improving trade, travel, and economic growth.

A separate PCO poll conducted from May 20 to May 25 asked Canadians about a high-speed rail link between Toronto and Quebec City. Overall, 65% of respondents supported this project, with particularly high enthusiasm in Ontario (71%) and Quebec (76%). This shows that Canadians are excited about transportation projects that can connect major cities efficiently.

Environmental Rules and Public Opinion

The PCO polls also explored Canadians’ opinions on environmental assessments for new energy and resource projects. In a May 20 survey of 1,000 Canadians:

• 35% said environmental rules were “about right”

• 23% said the rules were “too strict”

• 21% said the rules were “not strict enough”

However, 47% of respondents said these assessments take too long.

In response, the Carney government established the Major Projects Office to speed up project assessments. While Conservatives have called for significant changes to environmental rules, the Carney government has not substantially altered the regulatory framework, which aligns with public opinion that rules are mostly adequate but slow.

Economic Independence Drives Support

In a June 23-29 poll, Canadians were asked why they supported major projects. Sixty-one percent said their support was motivated by the belief that resource and infrastructure projects would help make Canada’s economy more independent from the United States. This highlights a strong national sentiment that projects should strengthen Canada’s domestic capabilities and economic security.

How the Polls Were Conducted

The PCO weekly polling program surveys 1,000 Canadians every week using live agents who call landlines and cellphones. While the polls do not ask about vote intention or political party preferences (as prohibited by law), they are circulated to the Prime Minister, senior staff, cabinet ministers, and deputy ministers. The data is used to guide policy decisions and project planning.

The first seven weekly polls after the election, starting May 20, were obtained by Global News, providing a clear look at how public opinion is shaping the Carney government’s approach to major projects.

What This Means for Canadians

The Carney government’s focus on public opinion demonstrates a desire to balance economic growth, energy development, and environmental concerns. Canadians broadly support projects that improve infrastructure, expand energy production, and promote economic independence. While regional differences exist—especially regarding pipelines and nuclear energy—the overall message is clear: Canadians want development that benefits the country while maintaining responsible oversight.

As the government finalizes its list of major projects, the results of these internal polls are likely to play a significant role in determining which initiatives are fast-tracked. Canadians’ voices, reflected through careful polling, are shaping the future of infrastructure, energy, and economic policy in the country.